Prevention & Safety

Prevention focuses on reducing risk and strengthening protective factors: trusted relationships, safe online habits, and access to support.

Online safety basics

  • Keep social accounts private when possible; review followers regularly
  • Don’t share your address, school, work schedule, or location details publicly
  • Be cautious with new online “friends” who push secrecy or urgency
  • Never meet someone alone—bring a trusted person and meet in public
  • If something feels off, screenshot/block/report and talk to a safe adult
Security tip: Use strong passwords and enable 2‑factor authentication whenever possible.

Healthy relationships

Traffickers often imitate love or friendship before becoming controlling. Healthy relationships:

  • Respect boundaries and say “no” without punishment
  • Don’t isolate you from friends/family
  • Don’t demand passwords, constant location sharing, or control your phone
  • Don’t pressure you into risky choices
Red flag: “If you loved me, you would…” (pressure + control).

Protective factors

  • At least one trusted adult you can reach quickly
  • Community connection (school, club, faith group, mentor, team)
  • Access to basic needs (food, safe sleep, healthcare)
  • Knowing where to get help (hotline/resources)

Job & opportunity safety

  • Research the company—real address, reviews, and contact info
  • Be cautious with offers promising huge money fast
  • Avoid jobs requiring secrecy or surrendering ID documents
  • If traveling for work, share itinerary with a trusted person

If you need support

You deserve safety. Visit Resources to find confidential help options and what to do next.

Go to Resources